The 10 Steps to Christmas
It’s time to get the family on board for a more enjoyable Christmas countdown, says Una Rice.
It’s never too early to start your Christmas countdown, but isn’t it vastly more fun to think beyond filling the freezer with chopped veggies and buying a few early gifts?
As we park another year of world-wide woes behind us, it’s time to sink into the lovely feels of pre-Christmas. And no matter what shape or size your family is, it’s something everyone can participate in.
Try these family-orientated ideas to get you in the mood…
1>> OH CHRISTMAS TREE When the children have grown up somewhat, their many handmade ornaments can take on a more ‘worn’ appearance. Never throw these precious memories away, but consider two separate trees if it’s time for something more elegant or themed.
The handmade treasures might be more appreciated on a mini tree display on your hall table. You can use branches from the garden sprayed white or gold. Yes, we are saying that part of Christmas prep is to get those boxes from the attic now and go through everything you have, chucking anything that’s broken. It’s also a good time to check lights and buy spares. These tasks are usually left to the last minute, but putting it into reverse will free up time to relax during Christmas week.
2>> DATES AND MORE DATES We’re talking dates…but not the edible types. Now is the time to talk about Christmas dates with family members and decide who exactly is coming to stay. Will it be one large gathering for the day itself, or nice meals and cheese boards spread out over the week or month? It’s natural to want to see everyone, and spreading it out will ensure your wish is granted. Don’t forget to pencil in board games nights and quizzes, and link up with family abroad also. It’s also a great time of year to get out and about on treks and trails with winter picnics to look forward to.
3>> TIME FOR MARKET Whether it’s browsing stalls for trinkets or enjoying mulled wine while listening to carol singers, visiting a Christmas market is the perfect family get together, suitable for all ages. If there are children or grandchildren it’s a nice chance to see them get excited while they do their Christmas shopping.
Just soaking up the atmosphere is making memories. Check what’s going on in your area now and pencil it in so that day isn’t sabotaged.
“Whether it’s browsing stalls for trinkets or enjoying mulled wine while listening to carols, visiting a Christmas market is the perfect family get together”
4>> MAKE YOUR MARK If you are a grandparent, there’s plenty of fun to be had helping children with gifts for their own parents. This can be on a shopping trip, or at your own kitchen table with arts and crafts. Children are very imaginative and sometimes a browse in a charity shop can ignite them to think outside the box. Older children might enjoy creating handmade earrings or necklaces or making decorations or name settings for the Christmas dinner table.
5>> SCREEN TIME Nothing says Christmas Countdown like a cheesy Hallmark movie. Advance warning; they are a bit addictive and the themes are very similar, but we admit we’re hooked as they’re a whole lot of escapism fun, best to be enjoyed with children or grandchildren, perhaps at a pace of one a week. If you really want to get into the Christmas mood, turn on the fairy lights and enjoy mince pies. Extra bonus points for the person who notices the same actor/actress popping up in different movies.
6>> TUNE IN It’s not a proper family Christmas countdown without music. And everyone has different tastes. But something like family Spotify should sort it. Whether you’re a Michael Bublé, Sinatra or Shakin’ Stevens fan, you can always enjoy a giggle at someone else’s festive music taste, while you’re driving along or baking.
7>> MAKE THE MOST OF MOMENTS There’s been so much uncertainty around us, which makes us value time with family much more. So there’s nothing strange at all about having a cheat’s Christmas, brought forwards, particularly if there are visiting family members and relations you won’t see for a while. Bring Christmas day forwards – make a roast with crackers, wear silly jumpers and swap small gifts, and relish togetherness.
Not only will younger family members love it, but it may make Christmas via Zoom across the world on December 25, more bearable.
8>> DO SOMETHING SILLY One mother saw a discarded giant reindeer toy in a ditch and sent her husband on a rescue mission, and said reindeer now stands proudly outside her house as Christmas approaches – her most admired decoration. It is the silly season and everything counts. So whether you plan to decorate the garden, make eggnog, or dress up and raise money for a cause close to your heart, there’s never a better time than pre-Christmas.
9>> MAKE TIME, MAKE TIME If you found yourself muttering at any point last year, I didn’t have time to…Then it’s time to address that as part of your countdown. Perhaps it’s something quite time consuming like hand making your own personalized Christmas crackers, personalizing your own Christmas wrapping paper, doing up the guest bedroom, or stenciling the windows with Christmas images. Well, now is a good time to address all those tasks and the great thing is, family members are more likely to be available to help now, than the week before Christmas when everyone’s a bit stretched.
10>> STIR-UP SUNDAY November 21 is an important family date for your diary. It’s ‘Stir-Up Sunday’, the day when the pudding mix is traditionally brought together and mixed, with every family member getting a chance to stir, and drop in a wish. It’s also a lovely time to chat with older family members, and let the younger ones hear those important stories about times gone by, perhaps times of hardship, when stir-up Sunday was a day that brought everyone together. If there is a teenager in the house who loves to bake, this is also a nice chance to create an alternative biscuit pudding that can be enjoyed that same day.
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